China has vehemently protested Australia’s recent series of joint military exercises. Those exercises, and more yet to come, were wildfires with the United States and the Philippines in the South China Sea. In turn, the Chinese Foreign Ministry criticized these moves. They added that this display of aggression escalates tensions in a region China continues to assert most of as its sovereign territory. This criticism comes in light of increased military activity and ongoing disputes over territorial claims in the South China Sea.
This fight arose from a favorable international tribunal ruling for the Philippines in 2016. The tribunal found that China’s nine-dash line claims covering the entirety of the South China Sea have no basis in international law. As expected, China has rejected the ruling and is still pursuing its aggressive territorial claims. This continued defiance has fueled growing animosity with its regional neighbors and the West.
China’s Accusations Against Allies
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian responded to the military exercises. He specifically blamed the United States, Australia and the Philippines for trying to “stir up trouble.” Lastly, he called these countries a serious threat to peace and stability in the region.
“They are the biggest source of risks undermining the peace and stability in the South China Sea,” – Lin Jian, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman.
Lin also provided further insight on the view from China. Late last month, he claimed the U.S. is using the Philippines as a “pawn” in its strategic guile against China. This characterization is a nod to China’s long-standing sensitivity to what it sees as outlandish foreign interference within its supposed territorial waters.
This is not the first time the Philippines has expressed its frustration over China’s provocations. Recent international media reports have documented China’s efforts to intimidate and drive Filipino ships out of contested waters. Such hostile actions have pushed Manila to charge China with resorting to harassment and intimidation. We know that over the past 18 months, confrontations between Chinese coast guard vessels and Philippine ships increased dramatically. This rising animosity is further complicating the already tenuous security environment in the South China Sea.
Australia’s Commitment to Regional Security
Australia’s Department of Defence does not waver on its military partnership with the United States and the Philippines. They are committed to advancing and defending maritime rights under the law of the sea. According to a US Army spokesperson, by facilitating joint training and operations with these capable and willing partners, we are developing mutual understanding and interoperability among nations.
“By training and operating together, forces can build upon shared tactics, techniques, and procedures to enhance interoperability and readiness to respond to shared security challenges,” – Department of Defence spokesperson.
Australia stands firm in defence of freedom of navigation and overflight, and international law in the South China Sea – FM Payne #ASEAN pic.twitter It perceives this commitment as strategically important to maintaining regional stability and security.
Increased Military Activity
Media reports indicate that China’s military incursions into the region have escalated. Analysts note that China has recently been able to sail close by the Australian mainland. They argue this could be a preliminary step to discourage the Albanese government from engaging in multilateral exercises in the South China Sea. This strategic chess play underlines China’s desire to be the dominant power over contested space. Simultaneously, it serves to send a clear signal to its rivals.
The geopolitical implications of these military exercises are profound, as they illustrate larger tensions between China and the West. As countries attempt to balance these tensioned partnerships, the risk of collision is a constant threat.
